By Zheng Lifei (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-29 13:25

TIANJIN: Substantial progress has been made in areas hit by the May 12 earthquake and the Chinese people have shown their determination and confidence to succeed in the relief and reconstruction efforts, Vice-President Xi Jinping said here yesterday.

The Chinese people, under the strong leadership of the Party and the government, have stood up to the massive earthquake and responded swiftly, he said.

"Chinese people have the determination and confidence to score a full victory in their relief and reconstruction endeavors," he said

Xi, who was speaking at the opening ceremony for the 18th Asian Corporate Conference in Tianjin, said people are coping well with the relief work and looking to the future.

The government yesterday agreed to set up a post-quake reconstruction planning group over the coming months to guide the rebuilding efforts in affected areas.

The group will comprise officials and experts from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Sichuan provincial government and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Construction, Mu Hong, deputy head of the NDRC, said.

Xi also yesterday thanked foreign countries, organizations and individuals for the help they have provided since the quake hit.

Speaking at the conference, Vishakha Desai, president of the Asia Society, said: "Our hearts and minds are with the Chinese people in the wake of Wenchuan earthquake."

The Asia Society is a US-based organization involved in boosting relations between the people, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States.

"The world has been inspired by the dedication of the Chinese government and Chinese people to the relief effort," Desai said.

"We are committed in our own way to providing help to those affected," she said.

Donation boxes have been placed throughout the conference hall and all monies collected will be forwarded to the China Red Cross, she said.

Xi said he hoped the Asian Corporate Conference, a forum organized by the Asia Society, will help the world learn about Tianjin, a port city in North China, and the country in general. The event will serve as a platform to show the opportunities China's economic growth has brought to the world, he said.

(China Daily 05/29/2008 page4)